Live45's | Goodie Kao- Magic?!*S# (feat. Tower da Funk Masta) (instrumental)

Brand new funk from the Sons of the Sweet Potato beatmaking collective. This time around we get some laid-back and jazzy boom-bap sounds from producer and crew member Goodie Kao, with assistance from fellow SSP member Tower da Funkmasta.  Would love to hear the Jazz Addixx or Moka Only go in on this one.  Dope sounds!

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News | Producer/Emcee Black Milk About to Embark on Solo Beat Tour

(courtesy of Fusicology.com)

Critically acclaimed emcee and producer Black Milk will be touring this August for the first time since his "No Poison, No Paradise Tour". His "Loops Don't Lie Tour", which will feature the Detroit native performing live beat sets, stops in five U.S. cities, including Atlanta, Charlotte, and Tampa. Soon after, the multi-talented artist will be heading to Europe with his four-person live band for the "Black Milk Live With Nat Turner Tour". This segment of the tour includes dates in major cities such as London and Amsterdam, and three dates in Germany, before returning back to the U.S. for a final show in his home state of Michigan. Speaking on his previous tour, LA Weekly shares praises, saying "Master of Ceremonies Black Milk was expertly both directing and starring in this show."

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Valentina CX- Found (album)

Beautiful vocal work from a talented young singer by the name of Valentina CX. The sounds on display with this offering are lush and jazzy bossa nova pieces that artfully blend acoustic and electric elements into a cohesive whole. Valentina's vocals are warm, soothing and heartfelt for the entirety of this brief, yet very satisfying, project. CX's band is solid in its arrangements and phrasings and allow the singer to flow freely during her performances . As the album is just a 4 track EP, I'll skip the part where I pick my favorite tracks and just say that the whole thing is a great bit of airy bossa nova from start to finish.

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Tajima Hal- Sometime Ago (album)

Glowing, jazz-tinted work from producer/beatmaker Tajima Hal. While the beats on this effort are soaked in the sort of dusty, sample-based mode of beatmaking that made so many golden era productions so beloved by hip hop fans, Tajima Hal manages to give the listener a unique take on that classic sound. Through the use of subtle changes in his arrangements and sample choices that are just left-of-center enough to keep things interesting, Tajima ensures that all the dust that comes from so much crate digging never gets so thick as to choke out Sometime Ago's overall jazzy sound. Standout tracks include the cool homage to the jazz piano-trio "Bloom", the driving soul number "Waves", and a stark boom bap outing called "Someone Else".

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Joose- Cruise Control (album)

Top shelf hip hop music from Michigan emcee Joose. The set definitely lives up to its "cruise control" title as Joose uses his laid-back rhyme style and cool-out demeanor to create an album filled with feel good, "bump-it-in-the-car" type of music.  Short, sweet and to the point, the overall sound of Cruise Control falls somewhere between the traditional southern trap-music of the early 2000's and the newer trap-style music coming from labels like Soulection and Darker Than Wax. On tracks like "California Girls" and "Bonita", Joose commands the spotlight by addressing tried and true topics (i.e. women, weed, and good times) with creative and smart lyrics. Which isn't to say the project is a endless parade of odes to the high life. Other standouts include the reflective, and almost somber, "Black Sand" and the "take no sh*t off nobody/hold your head up high" anthem "Julian" (that 1st verse is nothing short of genius!).  And as far as the beats, new school production wonders Brock Berrigan, Mozaic, and Sango keep the sounds live no matter what the situation calls for. Shout out to Joose, and the entire AGO (Astronaut Gang) collective for this one.

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SoundCheck | Rah Digga, Tristate, Lyric Jones & more @ The Terrace (Pasadena, CA)

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Tamara Renée- The Moon Goddess (official video)

Official video for the title track from singer Tamara Renée's The Moon Goddess album. I fell in love with this young lady's voice while repeatedly listening to the track "Alchemy" (from ShunGu's The Pisces Tape) earlier this year. Directed by Ms Renée herself, the video's intimate, candlelit frames and up-close-and-personal feel matches the tracks deeply spiritual vibe. Respect to Tamara Renée's skill in front of and behind the camera because I cannot stop watching this video.  Enjoy.

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Dave East- Black Rose (mixtape)

A brand new mixtape from a new name to me. The mixtape is called Black Rose and it from a young Harlem rhyme spitter by the name of Dave East. From the jump this mixtape goes for the throat as East's uncompromising street-level rhymes shine bright over the project's massive selection of cinematic beats. Loads of epic  beats and rhymes on this one. Standout tracks include the catchy "gotta-stay-winning" anthem "Fuck You Think", the vivid crime life narrative "In Some Shit (pt 1)", and the soulfully infectious track "Around Here".  A dope mixture of sounds make Dave East's Black Rose mixtape a highly recommended addition to your growing summertime playlist.

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Winter Inter- Equal Moving Parts (album)

Here's an outstanding batch of sweeping soundscapes and chilled out electro-funk productions from the always brilliant Stratford Court record label. On this new Equal Moving Parts LP from producer Winter Inter,  listeners are treated to an first-class display of bright keyboards and futuristic synthesizer experiments that are underlined with crackling drums and genre bending grooves. The set is a lively exhibition of new school future-funk, with touches of throwback fusion-jazz, that manages to sound fresh and new over the course of 14 tracks. Standouts include the spacey funk jam "That Which Stays Still is Real", the Roger Troutman-esque heater "Or Gone Aight", and soothing late-night funk track "San Diego Skyline".

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Live45's | Schadillac- Kawhi Leonard (instrumental)

Producer Schadillac really dug deep into his crates when it came time to put together this new "Kawhi Leonard" instrumental. The track is a heavy funk groover that sounds as if it was ripped straight from the closing credits of a early 70's crime flick. Tons of warm electric piano chords, bubbling bass notes, and psych-influenced guitar riffs ensure that the infectious groove of "Kawhi Leonard" will stay etched in your memory for days to come. A really dope cut that is perfect for chilling out to after a long day on the grind. Press play and enjoy.

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ADaD- In Search of The UNSEEN (album)

Just in time for my first weekend off in weeks, ADaD releases a brand new project entitled In Search of the UNSEEN: ADaD x Madlib. As expected, the Chi-town wordsmith keeps it live with the rhymes as he loads verse after verse with razor-sharp lyrics and delivers them with his characteristically engaging style. And while the promise of hearing new rhymes from ADaD is a big enough draw in and of itself, listeners will also celebrate the fact that each track features classic beats from the legendary beat conductor Madlib as chosen by ADaD himself. This is some killer stuff people! Check out the sounds below and make sure to keep up with ADaD on Soundcloud to hear any and all newness as soon as it's uploaded to the interweb. Dig the sounds.

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Brenk Sinatra- Gentle Giant (mixtape)

Here's a powerful collection of beat-heavy cuts from the always funky Brenk Sinatra. This just released Gentle Giant mixtape is a bumpin' mix of classic collaborations and unreleased cuts from the talented Viennese producer's extensive sound library. Clocking in at just over an hour, this mix has a little something for everyone. Brenk covers the laid-back & jazzy set with tracks like the mellow, Goblin-esque instrumental "Mylon" and the chilled-out-trap-musik number "Sneakerking".  And for those fans wanting to hear some of Sinatra's more hard-hitting sounds, tracks like the MC Eiht assisted "We On" or the siren-laced, boom-bap heater "Mill Ticket" (which features Detroit-based rhyme-spitter Marv Won) should definitely hit the spot. Other stand outs include the trippy headnodder "Shangr-la", the spirited 80's-electro inspired "Wolves 2", and the seminal future soul classic "Don't Stop" from Sinatra's S3 (Supa Soul Sh*t) project with singer Miles Bonny. In short, the Gentle Giant mixtape is a great criss-crossing of sounds and vibes from one of the best beatmakers doing it today. Download this one now and thank me later. Shout out to folks over at Inflammable for putting this one together.

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Live45's | DanalogOne- Moon Dust (instrumental)

Producer DanalogOne, of the music-making duo Outer Limit, recently leaked a bit of synth-heavy goodness from the group's soon -to-be-released Textures EP. The track, which is entitled "Moon Dust", highlights a sparse, stripped down sound from the young beatmaker. One that  filled with raw electronic drums and circuit bending keyboard wizardry. An understated electro-soul number that has a little something for everyone to savor.

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Live45's | Abjo- Gladius (instrumental)

Beatmaker and sound selector Abjo shares a lush and far-reaching experiment in sound with his latest track, "Gladius".  The feel of this beat holds true to the characteristically smooth sound that fans have come to expect from members of the Soulection crew, but also has a slightly darker tone than some of Abjo's previous work. Still, when it's all said and done, it's Abjo's use of serene electronics and weighty beats that will make this track an instant favorite in your playlist. Dig the sounds.

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Miles Bonny- Mile Bonny Remixed (album)

Usually I have an idea that certain projects are on the horizon when it involves an artist that I keep up with on a semi-regular basis. However, this new Miles Bonny Remixed release kind of caught me by surprise.  Listen as a few of the acapella's from Miles Bonny's 2010 project ACCA are remixed by fans of the singer's uniquely soulful sound. 

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Live45's | Damani Nkosi- All Around the World (feat. Mika Lett) (single)

A brand new track from Cali-based lyricist Damani Nkosi. The track is called "All Around the World" and it showcases Nkosi's international mindset as the world travelling emcee let's listeners know that there's a larger world surrounding their immediate surroundings. The combination of some dope rhymes, a dope concept, and some beautiful notes from featured singer Mika Lett make for one bumpin track. Press play and let your mind trek across the globe. Dig it.

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D.A.C Beats- Beach Mu$ic (EP)

Brazilian producer & G-funk enthusiast D.A.C Beats has just dropped an expansive batch of low-end heavy, future-funk instrumentals with his latest project, the Beach Mu$ic EP.  The vibes on this one range from sparse-but-still-bangin' trap-musik (see: "House P.A.R.T.Y" or "S.H.E") to warm electro soul arrangements that will have you zoning out in no time flat (see: "Let's Talk About Us" or my personal favorite "Cup's Up"). A brilliant set of genre-blending beats from a rising star on the beat scene. Dig the sounds.

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Lyric Jones- Listen, C'mon (feat. DMT) (official video)

And here it is! Check out the official video for the track "Listen, C'mon" from Lyric Jones' recently released EP Love's Trail Mix. Now, I could  wax poetic about the visuals and the music, but the folks over at Nu-Soul Magazine did such a great job doing a write-up for the video that I've decided to just  steal from  quote them:

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Ogiyy & Cascade Records- Nostalgia (teaser mix)

Here's a dope little teaser mix for a project that I'm really looking forward to hearing when it drops. On August 4th the taste-makers over at Cascade Records will be journeying deeper into the lands of spacey electro-soul and future funk when they release the LP Nostalgia as curated and arranged by beatmaker/producer Ogiyy. Judging from the snippets that we're able to take in from his mix, this project promises to be filled with tons of chillout, atmospheric sounds that draw heavily from the soul and funk music of the 70's, 80's, and even 90's (ie: the track @ the 6:30 mark). Enjoy the mix and make sure to add Ogiyy's Nostalgia LP to your "buy pile" ASAP.

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Hezekiah- Can I Live (official video)

Official video for the track "Can I Live" from Hezekiah's upcoming album Dreams Don't Chase Themselves. Moving words and visuals from the 3Crates Productions head honcho. Check out the video below and make sure to show support when that Dreams Don't Chase Themselves album drop.

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Live45's | Jazz Spastiks- Dumb (feat. Yesh)

You're obviously a fan of dope music. So while I'm sure you've already bought your own copy of Jazz Spastiks' The Product, I would be remiss if I didn't share this link to their newly released single "Dumb". Jazzy beats from the Spastiks and dope rhymes courtesy of Yesh (aka Yeshua da PoEd). Dig the sounds.

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Live45's | Midnight Runners- Drive into the Night (instrumental)

Enjoy this sweet little 80's-style groover from Midnight Runners. An upbeat blend of funk, soul and electronica in the duo's signature style. Can't wait to cop that Odyssey when it drops.

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Live45's | DTMD- Slow Down (single)

Brand new single from DTMD member Toine whose debut solo album Antoine Jameson hits your favorite music retailer this Tuesday (July 15th). Production handle by Dirty Church. 

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Live45's | JVNTG- IAin'tAfraid. (instrumental)

Producer/beatmaker JVNTG (pronounced "J Vintage") drops a live bit of spacey keyboard wizardry with his latest instrumental "IAin'tAfraid.". The track is a mix of rumbling drums and bending synthesizers that's held together by a sweet vocal sample from a singer that I probably should know but just can't place at the moment. Enjoy some quirky late-night electro funk (yes I meant to string those words together..and yes it's a fairly accurate description) courtesy of JVNTG. 

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Stik Figa- The Book of Chad (official video)

Official video for the track "The Book of Chad" from Stik Figa's recently released project The Pookey Tape. Not trying to get preachy or anything, but Stik Figa and Pimp C (via a soundbyte) are speaking on some real life deals with this one. Press play to dig the sounds, and rest in peace to the one and only Chad "Pimp C" Butler.

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Stress Boogie- The Randy Watson EP (album)

After touching down with the catchy "Glo" single back in May, emcee/producer Stress Boogie returns with the release of The Randy Watson EP. The album is a killer mix of Stress Boogie's hard hitting, sample-heavy production and rugged, street-level rhymes. The fact that Stress handles duties on the mic as well as behind the soundboard gives the EP a consistent sound and feel.  Plus, how could you not dig the album's "Coming to America" theme?  Standout tracks include "Queen (feat LoVel)", "King Drum", and the live lead single "Glo".  Dope work indeed.

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Curci- Killin em (official video)

Official video for the track "Killin em", the latest single from Curci's recently released Forever Summer mixtape (which you can download for free here). I'm diggin' the song's cool-out, summertime vibe and I have no doubt that you will too. I'm a couple of tracks into this Forever Summer mixtape as I write this, and I gotta tell you, this cat makes some really dope music! I would love to hear him work with some of the cats from the Soulection camp. Check out the visuals below then do yourself a favor and go get that free Forever Summer mixtape!

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Anthony David- Let Me In/ Smoke One (live session)

As I mention before, singer/songwriter Anthony David is on the road for his "Simple Man Summer Tour" (which you should definitely catch if it passes through your area. During a recent stop at the Adinkra House in New Jersey, Anthony treated fans to a intimate acoustic medley of the tracks "Let Me In" (from his 2011 album As Above So Below) and "Smoke One" (from his 2008 album Acey Duecy). Check out the video below then head over to RollingMojo.com to check out all the upcoming "Simple Man Summer Tour" tour dates. Enjoy!

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Lyric Jones- "Listen, C'mon (teaser)

On July 15th, Lyric Jones will be dropping the official music video for the track "Listen, C'mon" from her recently released Love's Trail Mix project. Check out the teaser video and behind-the-scenes pics below then mark that July 15th date on your smartphone calender.

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Moses Rockwell- Ahkwellington.Dweeb Supreme.One (LP)

Brand new sounds from Moses Rockwell - an insanely talented lyricist that hails from the fertile hip-hop environs of Rochester, NY. With his latest release, Rockwell mixes his cerebral rhymes and agile wordplay with a well thought out collection of beats that range from simmering meditative pieces to thumping head-nodders. One of the best entries under the "thumpin head-nodders" label is the infinitely repeatable "Roof Top" which showcases Moses Rockwell's gift of gab over some body moving production from beatmaker/arranger Kae Biz. The track's sharp lyrics, soulful production, and super catchy chorus allow it shine bright even among an LP full of gems. More of the album's livelier sounds can be heard on tracks like the boom-bap stomper "Lunch Money" as well as the bouncy intro track "Vision-inner". The album's energy switches up a little at the midway point as Rockwell's lyrics take on a more introspective tone and the beats become a bit more solemn. Standout tracks from the LP's more serious-sounding second act include the stream-of-consciousness sketch-work of "Physique" and the slightly acerbic lyrics of "htiaF eht peeK". With Ahkwellington.Dweeb Supreme.One Moses Rockwell gives listeners an album that's filled with far-reaching lyrics and intricate productions that still manages to be entertaining and engrossing. Yes, this is a thinking-man's hip hop album. But it's also built for those times when you just want to vibe out to some good music. Press play and dig for yourself.

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Live45's | STB- Prey (instrumental)

Although the title and cover art for STB's new "Prey" instrumental seem to hint at a menacing piece of music, the track itself is a really laid-back, late-night number filled with thick basslines, shuffling drums, and expansive strings. Dope track with a real "meditative head nod music" vibe to it. Shout out to Stan The Beatsmith and the Beatsmith Collective. Press play and dig the sound for yourself.

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Live45's | ClassicBeatz- Ms Mary Mack (feat. Sixteenstone)

Producer ClassicBeatz and singer Sixteenstone (aka Sonya Freeman from the site 16StoneVintage.com) decided to revisit the classic kids song "Ms Mary Mack" and give it a soulful spin with this newly released single. You may have heard this song during recess back in the day, but you never heard it like this. ClassicBeatz ' low-end heavy production really draws you in and Sixteenstone's stirring vocals will have you pressing the replay button over and over again. Dope work!

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Live45's | DJ Harrison- The Richmond Sound (instrumental)

Beatmaker/Multi-instrumentalist/Music making machine DJ Harrison will be dropping a brand new project later this month. And while I'm not able to cover Harrison's music as thoroughly as I would like to, believe me when I say that this young brother is incredibly talented and has a vault full of dope music to back up that claim. Not one to leave his fans fiendin' until the new album drops, DJ Harrison has decided to leak a jazzy, organ-driven number entitled "The Richmond Sound" which is actually an outtake from the new LP's recording sessions. Press play and enjoy people.

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Photos from Crunch 22's Spring Tour

I really enjoy the band Crunch 22. So much so, that I decided to add them to the blog's "featured artist"roster with the hopes of sharing more than just new music from the band. Unfortunately I do not speak a word of Hebrew, which limits my ability to keep tabs on the band and their moves. Still, I am determined to not let that little fact discourage me and will do what I can to stay the course.

Back in May, the band Crunch 22 went on a small "Spring Tour" in Israel, which included 5 performances held at various venues and festivals throughout their homeland . Below you can check out a nice photoset from the tour that the guys recently shared on their website. And keep checking back for more news about the band and their upcoming "Mad Tea Party" project.

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ADaD- Money/Intro (official video)

Check out the official video for the the single "Money" from ADaD's recently released Gumbo: The Stolen Arts EP project. The video also features some behind-scenes-footage of ADaD doing his thing set to the album's "Intro" track (with a extra-live cosign from the one and only Q-Tip!)

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Live45's | S.Fidelity- Second Chance (feat. LaNo' & Tajima Hal) (single)

Get into some richly soulful sounds from producer S.Fidelity courtesy of the lead single from his upcoming debut project Five to Nine. On the eclectic, future-soul track, singer LaNo' is able to show off some powerful, and still somehow fragile, vocals over S.Fidelity's bubbling 21st century funk production. Also along for the ride is fellow beatmaker Tajima Hal who helps S.Fidelity behind the boards. A short and sweet neo-soul groove to help you get the day started off right. Dig the sounds.

And be sure to get your copy of Five to Nine when it drops on September 1st on Feelin' Music Records

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Live45's | Kartel Kobain- Amen (BeatGoddess rmx) (single)

While I wasn't really up on VA-based wordsmith Kartel Kobain prior to hearing this KB da BeatGoddess remix to his "Amen" single, I'm glad that I'm finally in the know. Kobain is sharp with the rhymes and I'm really diggin' how well his flow meshes with KB da BeatGoddess' production. Dope collaboration. Press play below and get to know Kartel Kobain.

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Rob Viktum- Proper Etiquette (album)

Beat Fanatic and True School DJ's member Rob Viktum unleashes an brand new set of lean, cinematic instrumentals with his latest beat-tape entitled  Proper Etiquette. Seemingly drawing from the tense and meditative sound of old-school crime funk soundtracks, Viktum has created an album filled with tightly focused cuts that feel as if they were ripped from the original reel-to-reels of a unreleased Italian cop flick from the 70's. Granted, that may sound oddly specific. But, if you're even vaguely familiar with the genre and its distinctive sound, then you know that Rob has picked an amazing stretch of music to use as his inspiration for this album. After getting a "proper" introduction from a Michael Caine*-esque narrator on the aptly titled "A Word From the O.G.", Rob Viktum gets listeners in the right paranoia-laced frame of mind with the hard-boiled album opener "Galina Lied". With frantic pianos, brassy horn-section stabs, and thumping rhythms, the high strung instrumental brings to mind the dark alleys and seedy bar scenes that made 70's cop flicks so memorable. That same keyed-up energy can be heard on other standout cuts like "EVO", "Wrong Decision", and one of my personal favorites "A Proper Strut". And while Proper Etiquette definitely captures the drama and tension of good crime-funk soundtrack, it also showcases other aspects of the genre with tracks like the slow burning "Flip The Tape Over", the folksy-sounding "Excederin", and the slinky, bedroom grind of "The Blown Out Back". And just to keep things true to form, there's also the occasional soundbyte and quick interlude thrown in just for good measure (shout out to the one and only Ric Flair!). All in all, Proper Ettiquette is a dope collection of gritty funk cuts that will fit perfectly somewhere between your 21st century beat-tapes and your 1970's soundtracks. Press play and dig the sounds.
*- properly pronounced "my co-caine"

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Live45's | Midnight Runners- Tropical Rain Vibe (pt 2) (instrumental)

A real breezy, electro heavy cut from Yordan Admiral and Munir Harry Septiandry, aka the Midnight Runners. Living up tot he sun drenched scenery hinted at in the track's title, "Tropical Rain Vibe (pt 2)" slows things down a bit, but still follows the wavy modern-funk sound of the original track (here). Dig the sounds below and don't forget to cop the duo's Odyssey EP when it drops on Funkbox Records.

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